There were 1,270 lifeboat launches from the north’s 33 lifeboat stations in 2011 – the second highest number in the history of the charity¹. The busiest lifeboat crew in the north of England was Sunderland, who launched their two inshore lifeboats 111 times and rescued 135 people, followed by:

Fleetwood – 93 launches (54 inshore lifeboat; 39 all-weather lifeboat) rescuing 81 people Hartlepool – 89 launches (57 inshore lifeboat; 32 all-weather lifeboat) rescuing 112 people

Tynemouth – 74 launches (38 inshore lifeboat; 36 all-weather lifeboat) rescuing 117 people

Cleethorpes – 62 launches (all inshore lifeboat) rescuing 52 people.

The summer of 2011 was also busy for RNLI lifeguards on beaches in Sefton; Tyneside; Sunderland; North Yorkshire; East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. They assisted a total of 1,936 people and dealt with 1,516 incidents.

Around the coast of the UK and Ireland, 2011 saw RNLI lifeboats launch 8,905 times and rescue 7,976 people. RNLI lifeguards assisted 17,671 people across the 163 UK beaches on which the charity operates.

In the north of England, 25% of the launches (323) were to power pleasure craft; 19% (243) to people in the water and 14% (174) to sail pleasure craft. The large proportion of launches to pleasure boats probably accounts for the high number of people rescued as such vessels often contain groups, explained RNLI Divisional Inspector, North, Andy Clift. He adds:

‘Last year we saw a 22% increase in people rescued compared to 2010 and a 3% rise from the previous high. In all, 1,237 people were helped in some way by our lifeboat crews in the north of England and I am sure they and their friends and family will join me in thanking our volunteers for the dedication they demonstrate time and time again to saving lives at sea.

‘But of course, without the amazing generosity of the people who support our charity, either financially or by giving up their time to help raise funds, the RNLI’s lifeboatmen and women would be unable to carry out their lifesaving work. We receive less than 2% of our income from government sources and so depend almost entirely on the generosity of the public. A big thank you must go to all of them for their continued support.’

The biggest cause of requests for RNLI help in 2011 was machinery failure – 24% (308) of launches in the north were to recreational or commercial vessels which had broken down.

RNLI Operations Director Michael Vlasto comments:

‘It’s essential for us to look behind the figures as our charity puts a lot of effort into helping prevent emergencies in the first place. We do this through our safety education programmes and campaigns – another of the ways we aim to save lives at sea. When you realise that machinery failure is a major cause of lifeboat launches you can see why we’re keen that all boat users, whether commercial or recreational, make sure they maintain their vessels properly. The RNLI has mechanics at every lifeboat station – we’d never ask our volunteers to put to sea without knowing our vessels are in a seaworthy condition – and nor should anyone else.’

The RNLI rescue statistics also illustrate the impact weather has on the demands placed on the charity. April 2011 was the warmest April in the UK for 100 years² and was also the busiest April ever in RNLI lifeboat history, with lifeboat launches that month almost doubling to 1,029 compared to 672 in 2010. In the north, the April launch figure was 150, compared to 84 the previous year. October, also warmer than average, was another record breaking month for lifeboat crews in the north, with 135 launches compared to 68 in 2010. During the traditionally-busy summer months, though, which saw cooler than average temperatures, lifeboat launches were a little lower than in many previous years.

Michael Vlasto adds:

‘Even though many of the summer months were less than seasonal, overall our services were as busy as ever in the UK and Ireland. People seem to make the most of our islands’ coastal environment despite the weather, and 2011 saw a 10% jump in the number lifeboat launches to “people in the sea” compared to 2010 – from 1,438 to 1,592. And people finding themselves “cut off by the tide” led to 346 rescue launches – up more than 20% on the previous year. The message is clear, plan your trip to the coast and make sure you’re aware of local conditions and, importantly, local tide-times – it could save your life.’

Two members of Cullercoats lifeboat crew have won one of the RNLI’s top awards and two of their colleagues have commendations for their part in a rescue below the cliffs at Tynemouth Castle, which took place in the early hours of 15 June 2011.

The actions of Grahame Wood and Ross Dunn have been recognised by them both receiving the RNLI’s Exceptional First Aid Certificate. This award is rarely made, having been presented on only seven occasions since its introduction in 2004.

Their colleagues, Robert Oliver and Tom Carr, have each received a letter from the RNLI’s Chief Executive, Paul Boissier, commending their part in the rescue earlier this year.

The RNLI’s North Division Inspector, Andy Clift, reported on the service by the Cullercoats inshore lifeboat during the early hours of 15 June 2011, when a young man’s life was saved in the following terms:

‘Cullercoats lifeboat, Hylton Burdon, was launched at 2.10am with Robert Oliver at the helm, and Tom Carr, Grahame Wood and Ross Dunn as crew. The weather was cloudy, the winds were southerly force 3, and the seas were smooth with a two metre swell. Although the moon was full, it was very low and obscured by the clouds. The police were searching for a young man who had been reported missing and had located him on the rocky shore near to Tynemouth Priory. A police helicopter had also been deployed. Helmsman Oliver positioned the lifeboat as close to the shore as was safe amidst the breaking seas and the area was illuminated by the lifeboat’s searchlights.

‘The police helicopter located the man, who appeared to be face down and apparently unconscious. The lifeboat could not veer down or approach the rocks, but was taken as close as possible so that Grahame Wood and Ross Dunn could swim ashore, where they removed the man from a deep pool of water and began immediate CPR. They were subsequently joined by first one, and then a second member of the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade, who had more medical equipment including oxygen. As the sea was breaking over the rocks and washing around the casualty, the four rescuers moved him further away from the water. When the oxygen began to run low, the lifeboat came close in again and Grahame Wood swam back out to collect the lifeboat’s bottle of oxygen. Eventually a rescue helicopter arrived and the man was evacuated to hospital. Grahame and Ross waited until the other two rescuers had been recovered. For a third time the lifeboat closed the shore enabling Grahame and Ross to swim back out to the lifeboat, which then returned to station.

‘As well as the high quality casualty care delivered, this service witnessed excellent team work, inter-agency co-operation and good use of the crew’s local knowledge, seamanship and boat handling skills.’

Cullercoats Lifeboat Operations Manager Frank Taylor said: ‘We are delighted that the efforts of the crew have been recognised by the RNLI in this manner. The successful outcome of this rescue is a direct result of their dedication and training. Congratulations to all concerned.’

The awards will be presented at a local ceremony in the near future.

Date: 08/12/2011

Author: Brian Reeds, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer

Music will once again be provided by the Salvation Army Band.

All welcome young and old.

 The lifeboat quickly located the small fishing boat, established a tow and returned the boat to the harbour at Seaton Sluice.

Cullercoats Brewery has been opened by Bill Scantlebury, and will be focusing on two main beers both with a local flavour.

The Lovely Nelly and Jack The Devil, draw on the history of the lifeboats at Cullercoats, from New Year’s Day 1861, when two fisherwomen pulled the lifeboat to Whitley Bay where it could be launched into the rough conditions to rescue the Lovely Nelly which had run aground off Cullercoats Bay.

The lifeboat saved all the lives on board except one cabin boy, and the Bowman on the lifeboat was John Chisholm, known as ‘Jack the Devil’.

Bill has brewed his own beer since the age of 13 and is delighted to launch Cullercoats Brewery as a ten barrel operation meaning he can turn out 2,880 pints every week.

He said: “As a real ale drinker I am exceptionally pleased with the product we have developed.

“The added incentive for the 3p per pint donation to the RNLI is the icing on the cake for me.

“If the brewery goes to plan it could mean a donation of £4,500 in the first year alone.”

Brian Reeds from Cullercoats RNLI ,said: ‘We wish Bill the best of luck with his new venture and are thrilled to hear his two beers have a lifeboat flavour to them.

“The RNLI relies on fundraising and donations from the public and so contributions like this are vital if our charity’s volunteer crews are to continue saving lives at sea.’

Bill added: “From mid December the two beers will be spotted at bars, identifiable by their enamel metal pump clip, bearing the RNLI Lifeboats logo.

“I urge everyone to try at least one pint and help a great cause.”

Landlords and managers interested in stocking Lovely Nelly and Jack the Devil can contact Bill on 07895 692881 or by emailing cullercoatsbrewery@gmail.com

At 3.50pm on Wednesday 26 October, the crew of the RNLI Inshore lifeboat Hylton Burdon (Robert Oliver, Grahame Wood and Steven Potts) launched the lifeboat following reports that a young boy was being swept out to sea at Browns Bay just to the north of Cullercoats Harbour. Onlookers had dialled 999 and informed the Coastguard that the boy was in immediate danger and was being washed out to sea.

Members of Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade were on scene and were keeping the young man in their sights until the lifeboat arrived.

Robert Oliver, Senior Helmsman at Cullercoats, used all his local knowledge and expertise to take the lifeboat into very shallow water with 3-4 metre breaking seas to search for the young boy. The crew quickly spotted his figure; he was being washed up and down in the heavy seas and as Robert positioned the lifeboat to pick up the casualty, a wave broke over the lifeboat and the young boy vanished under the water. Seconds later he came up again alongside the lifeboat and the lifeboat crew quickly pulled him to safety.

The young boy was checked over by the lifeboat crew on the short journey back to Cullercoats and an ambulance was called to meet the lifeboat back at station. Sea conditions led to the crew being thrown around in the lifeboat while protecting William from further harm. All had bruises and aches to report after the incident.

RAF Rescue Helicopter 131 was in the area and informed the lifeboat crew they were diverting to the harbour at Cullercoats to airlift the youngster to Wansbeck General Hospital as this would be quicker than a road ambulance.

After a few minutes being cared for in the lifeboat station, William was winched to the RAF Rescue Helicopter and taken to hospital for further treatment. After several hours, he was released from hospital and taken home. The Maughan family came to the boathouse to thank the crew and take a look at the lifeboat which had been instrumental in saving his life.

William discussed his ordeal with the crew, who were able to fill in some of the details which had been very vague as he drifted towards unconsciousness. Crew member Grahame Wood said: ‘Will thought I was speaking quietly to him in the lifeboat when in fact I was screaming at him at the top of my voice in an effort to keep him awake.’

Will’s mother Margaret said: ‘I can’t thank or praise the crew and the RNLI enough for saving William’s life. Thanks to their fast response, my son is able to visit the station tonight. It could have had such a different ending. I am also grateful that William’s friends did just the right thing – they stayed calm and phoned for help.’

William added that he aimed to do some fundraising for the RNLI next year as a way of showing his gratitude.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Frank Taylor said: ‘We are delighted to see young Will at the boathouse today. The crew really appreciate his expression of thanks – it makes our training and fundraising all worthwhile.’

RNLI Press Release 4th November 2011

The 2011 Christmas card is available from our Lifeboat Station Shop every Sunday Morning between 10am -12 midday. The cards are sold in packs of ten priced at £4 per pack.

Local retailers now selling our Christmas Cards are as follows:

Cullercoats Crescent Club
Cullercoats Post Office
Beaches and Cream
A J Bridge Fruit Shop
The Quarry Pub

More retailers to follow.

The car reads inside:

“Launching the Lifeboat”

A painting by Michael Smith, local artist and fisherman, on the theme of launching Cullercoats Lifeboat. Based on an engraving in the illustrated London News of March 1872, the subject is particularly relevant in the 150th anniversary year of the wreck of the “Lovely Nellie”when men of Cullercoats Lifeboat rescued the crew of the stricken collier brig after she ran aground off Brier Dean in Whitley Bay on New Year’s Day 1861.

Sadly, the cabin boy was swept overboard and drowned.

The lifeboat arrived on scene after 7 minutes and placed a crew member ashore. The three adults were checked over and found to be fit and well. The three were assisted aboard the lifeboat and returned to the lifeboat station at Cullercoats.

The three adults were greeted by members of the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade who took their details on behalf of HM Coastguard and kindly offerd them a lift back to their car at the lighthouse car park.

Frank Taylor RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Cullercoats said ‘The RNLI would like to remind everyone visiting the coast to check local tide times and weather conditions before they set out as it is very easy to get in to difficulty at the coast.’

Picture credited to Ron Dobson, Blyth

Members of Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade were on scene and were keeping the young man in their sights until the lifeboat arrived.

Once on scene the lifeboat entered the surf line and located the young man, he was quickly recovered from the water and taken back to the lifeboat station.
He was placed on oxygen and warmed up while awaiting the RAF search and rescue helicopter, lucky the helicopter was in the local area and within minutes the young man was winched up to the Seaking and quickly on his way to hospital.

Three other boys had been with the young man on the sea wall, they were cold, wet and in a state of shock. All three were treated by paramedics at the scene and allowed to leave shortly after the incident.

We have received news that the young man is recovering well after his rescue earlier today.

B811 Hylton Burdon was re-housed and ready for service at 16:40

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